Jack and I dove into the parallels between our journeys, both as liberal arts majors and as people who built companies, stepped away from the top job, and then wondered “what’s next?” Together, we unwrapped the deeply personal and often daunting process of redefining yourself and finding meaning once the “what do you do?” The question no longer has a simple answer. Jack candidly shared the psychological hurdles many face upon retirement, especially for high achievers who tied their identity so closely to professional success.

We discuss the pitfalls of thinking retirement is only about “doing the math,” and the dangers of the so-called Striver’s Curse where career-driven people lose their sense of purpose and can become rudderless once the striving ends. Jack’s experiences and research led him to develop Encore Career Lab, a program designed to help successful professionals regain their “rudder,” starting with “why,” then the “what,” and finally, the “how.” We explore his three-phase approach to post-career transformation, the importance of generativity (the drive to give back and pass on wisdom), and why building a roadmap for fulfillment, not just finances, is vital in modern retirement.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Identity Challenges After Retirement: Jack illustrated how even strong, career-driven individuals can underestimate the existential impact of leaving their professional roles, discovering that so much of our identity is tied to what we do and contribute.
2. Purpose Is More Important Than Leisure: We debunked the myth that endless recreation leads to fulfillment, revealing that humans are wired for purpose, meaning, and generativity and that’s what produces happiness beyond financial freedom.
3. Start with Why: Jack’s work with Encore Career Lab emphasizes discovering your “why” before choosing what you’ll do and how you’ll do it post-career; clarity on purpose leads to choices that align with your values and lead to true fulfillment.
4. The Risk of Losing Your Rudder: Without intentional planning, retirees often become overwhelmed, dabble without direction, or feel paralyzed by too many options; a structured process is vital to avoid feeling rudderless or self-conscious about your next steps.
5. Generativity as the Common Thread: As people mature, the drive to give back and share accumulated wisdom becomes a universal impulse. Jack observed that everyone drawn to his program feels a compulsion to help others and leave a legacy making mentorship, teaching, and service recurring encore themes.

Join us for this inspiring conversation on redefining the very nature of retirement from a finish line to a commencement. If you or someone you know is approaching a new phase of life and seeking more than just financial security, this episode will open your eyes to the possibilities of true graduation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone eager for a purpose-filled future!

1. Redefining Neurodivergence in Finance:Neurodivergence includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other ways of thinking outside the “typical” brain. Traditional personal finance guidance usually isn’t built for these experiences—so it’s time for new, more compassionate systems.
2. The VIBES Framework:Andrea’s 5-step approach—Vision, Intention, Baseline, Engineer, Streamline—centers self-acceptance, automation, and upfront decision-making to minimize overwhelm and maximize financial empowerment.
3. Eliminating Shame and Embracing Automation:Regular budgeting advice often causes guilt and decision fatigue. By automating savings, bill payments, and allocations for fun money, you can break negative cycles and focus energy where it matters.
4. Societal & Gender Differences:Women are often diagnosed later with neurodivergence and taught to overcompensate—masking symptoms and fueling perfectionism. Andrea’s approach emphasizes why it’s crucial to address these unique pressures.
5. Community and Support:You don’t have to be diagnosed as neurodivergent—or even a woman—to find value in Modern Lady Vibes. If traditional advice leaves you overwhelmed, Andrea’s inclusive, strengths-focused community and resources might be a game-changer.

Join us as we challenge outdated financial norms and encourage everyone to create a more sustainable—and joyful—path to financial freedom! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends, family, or anyone who’s felt lost trying to fit typical financial advice into their unique life. [embed]https://youtu.be/nTMifPiZQQU[/embed]

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors

BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter.

BFG Financial Advisors

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors

BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter.

BFG Financial Advisors

1. Mindset Fuels Growth: Neal’s journey underlines the importance of believing not only that big dreams are possible, but also that they’re possible for you—for everyone, regardless of background.
2. Legacy and Preparation: The power of generational wisdom and intentional networking sets the stage for both financial independence and emotional resilience. Neal’s upbringing surrounded by older mentors was key to his success.
3. Principles for Affluence: The NEGROES acronym (Network strategically, Educate yourself, Generate wealth through entrepreneurship, Reinforce resilience, Own it all, Excel everywhere, Serve others) offers a blueprint for sustainable wealth and community impact.
4. Embracing Leadership: Leadership isn’t innate—it’s made through conscious choices, preparation, and the willingness to learn from failure. Anyone can grow into a leader.
5. Generational and Cultural Perspectives Matter: Understanding the context—whether growing up in a segregated rural town or breaking barriers in new cities—is crucial to appreciating the nuances in building both personal and financial legacies.

Join us as we rethink what it means to “graduate” into your next chapter with purpose, authenticity, and an abundance mentality. As always, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. Let’s continue learning, leading, and redefining the journey toward a truly meaningful retirement—and a truly prosperous life! [embed]https://youtu.be/uWY2Fdx8GBg?si=9L_3g1Q6Lt3yjpFb[/embed]

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Retire... Graduate! is Presented by BFG Financial Advisors

BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter.

BFG Financial Advisors

1. The Human Side Sets Us Apart: Erin emphasized that while all advisors have access to similar tools, it’s the client experience, the team approach, and the genuine relationships that differentiate great firms from the rest.
2. Growth Through Opportunity and Diversity: Her remarkable team expansion wasn’t just about numbers—it was built through organic and strategic growth, focusing on both service breadth and hiring talent from all backgrounds, especially by nurturing young professionals through internships.
3. Combatting Industry Misconceptions: We discussed the persistent negative stereotypes about financial advisors, tracing them to media portrayals like “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Erin believes showing up with empathy, advocacy, and authenticity is key to changing minds.
4. Financial Literacy and Pro Bono Advocacy: Erin’s commitment to pro bono work—particularly supporting cancer patients and educating women—shines a spotlight on the importance of making financial advice available to everyone, not just the wealthy.
5. The Future is Relational, Not Transactional: Looking ahead, Erin and I agreed that the next evolution in financial planning will revolve around holistic financial wellness—where coaching, empathy, and mental preparation for major life transitions are as vital as investment returns.

Join us for this candid and inspiring conversation as we talk about building a more inclusive, human-centered future in financial planning. As always, I hope you find ideas and motivation to spark your own journey toward financial freedom and purposeful living. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show to help us spread the word. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4_9KFnJP38[/embed]

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors

BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter.

BFG Financial Advisors

Janine and I shared insights about reinventing ourselves after long careers, challenging the traditional concept of retirement, and finding new passions and purpose in the next chapter of life. Janine candidly discussed the fears and uncertainties she faced when leaving her corporate career, and how she discovered her calling in values-based investing—ultimately leading to her highly collaborative book, Activate Your Money, and the founding of several platforms, including SheEconomy AI, to help women align their investments with their values.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Reinvention Requires Both Courage and Planning: Janine’s story demonstrates that moving into a new chapter of life—whether post-career or post-retirement—can be intimidating, but financial planning and trusting your intuition pave the way for success.
2. Values-Aligned Investing Is More Accessible Than Ever: Anyone, even those just starting out or with only a bank account, can make meaningful investment choices that reflect their personal values and contribute to societal change.
3. Women Are Financial Powerhouses: By 2030, women are projected to control 40% of U.S. wealth, and research shows they consistently outperform men in investing when they employ long-term, buy-and-hold strategies.
4. Community and Collaboration Drive Lasting Change: Janine’s collaborative approach—engaging over 150 women in the development of her book and uniting 100+ organizations in the SheEconomy campaign—highlights the importance of collective action and shared resources.
5. Financial Freedom Fuels Purpose: Redefining retirement means seeing work as optional and living a life of contribution, impact, and continual growth, no matter your age or stage—don’t retire, graduate!

Join us for a journey of inspiration and practical ideas to help you achieve financial freedom, invest with purpose, and create positive change. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone ready to graduate into their next chapter with passion!

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors

BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter.

BFG Financial Advisors

1. Retirement Longevity Matters Most: Jeremy introduced the concept of the “retirement longevity number”—the importance of planning not only when you’ll retire but how long you’ll need your money to last, factoring in early retirements and underestimated life expectancies.
2. Spending Is Not One-Dimensional: Expect higher spending in your first decade of retirement. Do detailed cash flow planning that accounts for one-time costs like travel or home renovations and prepare for possible healthcare spikes in your later years.
3. One-Shot Decisions Require Strategy: Social Security, pension choices, and annuities are often irrevocable. Plan ahead using net present value calculations and seek advice that considers math—not just gut feeling or sales incentives.
4. Tax Planning Is a Game Changer: Post-retirement offers tremendous flexibility for tax strategies. Learn how different account types are taxed, and consider timing and sizing Roth conversions to optimize your lifetime tax outlay.
5. Invest After You Plan—Not Before: Good financial planning puts investments near the end, not the beginning. Build your foundation first by aligning investments with your spending, income, and risk tolerance. Join us for this enlightening episode and discover why retirement isn’t just a final destination—it’s the start of your next, most purposeful chapter. Subscribe, rate, and share our show so others can join you in reimagining—and graduating into—a life of financial freedom and fulfillment!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek-tPBMYcyg[/embed]

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors

BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter.

BFG Financial Advisors

I’m excited to introduce Joey, who joined us in 2022 after graduating from Towson University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Planning. Beyond his financial expertise, he’s also a baseball enthusiast who recently checked off a major personal goal: visiting every major league baseball stadium in the country—even though we still haven’t converted him from being a Yankees fan!

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The Value of Specialized Education: Joey Mills shared how Towson University’s financial planning concentration gave him both a solid foundation and the flexibility to shift from corporate finance to a more people-focused career.
2. Lifelong Learning Is Essential: Success as a financial advisor requires constant learning—both through formal education and by keeping up with ever-changing financial rules and best practices.
3. Mentorship and Community Matter: Having peers and mentors who’ve followed a similar career trajectory provides invaluable support, insight, and motivation for professional growth.
4. Behavioral Finance Is the Game-Changer: Understanding not just the numbers, but also the psychology behind money decisions—both in clients and oneself—is critical to effective advising.
5. Start Early, Communicate Often: Open family conversations about money and starting good financial habits early—like saving and living below your means—are powerful tools for long-term success.

Join us for this candid conversation as we demystify the career path of a financial advisor and share lessons that can help anyone on their own journey to financial freedom. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who’s passionate about meaningful work, lifelong learning, and living with purpose!

1. Creatives Need Tailored Tax Help:Hannah Cole identified a huge gap for artists and freelancers, who are often stereotyped as being "bad at money," and built resources to help them thrive, including her book and visual guides.
2. Tax Planning, Not Just Tax Paying:Tax planning is about making the system work for you—not just paying what you owe. It’s about grabbing “the coins in the couch cushions” and using the tax code’s incentives to your advantage, which is very different from the pain of cutting a check.
3. Choosing the Right Tax Pro Matters:Not all CPAs are created equal. Hannah recommends prioritizing respect in your tax adviser relationships and being wary of anyone who’s aggressive to the point of danger. A good adviser makes you part of the decision-making process.
4. Myths About the IRS and Enforcement:The societal fear of the IRS is often fueled by those who benefit from weakened tax enforcement. Hannah contends that, in practice, IRS agents are often kinder and easier to deal with than their reputations suggest—and that real “tax terror” often serves the interests of high-net-worth rule breakers.
5. Calls for a Fairer, Simpler System:We debate estate taxes, sales tax, VAT, and even the promise of a flat tax. Regardless of where you stand politically, we agree: a fair, equitable tax code—one that doesn’t require an army of CPAs and endless stress—would benefit everyone.

1. A Personal History Fuels Professional Passion: Claudia’s early exposure to her family’s disciplined financial management instilled in her a drive to enter the finance industry and help others achieve similar stability and success.
2. Diverse Industry Experience Matters: From trading desks to portfolio management, Claudia’s varied background equips her to navigate complex client needs and deliver thoughtful, informed advice.
3. Intimate Client Relationships Set BFG Apart: Transitioning from a large corporation to a boutique firm, Claudia emphasizes the ability to deeply understand clients' financial worlds and provide true financial planning.
4. Milestone Moments Motivate Advisors: The most rewarding aspect of the work, according to Claudia, is witnessing clients achieve significant life events—whether it’s retiring or finishing paying for a child’s education.
5. Accountability and Wellness Programs Enhance Growth: Regular check-ins with accountability partners and participation in BFG’s financial wellness programs not only help advisors stay focused but also expand the reach and impact of financial education.

Susan and I explored not just the financial aspects of retirement, but the psychological transformation it brings. We talked about the loss of identity, the paradox of newfound time, and why many of us feel adrift or even terrified approaching this stage, despite years of planning. What sets Susan apart is her use of art journaling as a tool in her coaching practice—a process open to anyone, even self-professed non-artists like me! Susan described how creative expression helps process emotions, unlock inner wisdom, and rediscover the sense of play we all had as children. Together, we discussed letting go of the “big P” purpose that often defines our working years and embracing instead a series of “small p” purposes rooted in daily curiosity, microlearning, and the willingness to experiment and shed old identities.

The episode is both reassuring and invigorating, reminding us that the journey into retirement—or any major transition—isn’t a one-time molting, but an ongoing metamorphosis filled with opportunities to reinvent ourselves, explore new interests, and find joy, even in the messy middle. Susan shared practical advice for managing the daunting blank canvas of retirement, finding joy in both purpose and in play, and learning to balance optimism and fear as we take on the next chapter.

Key Takeaways:

1. Art Journaling as Transformational Coaching: You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from art journaling—it’s a tool for self-expression and emotional processing during uncertain times, accessible to anyone who can doodle, collage, or simply make marks on a page.
2. Reimagining Purpose in Retirement: Life after work isn’t about finding a new singular “big P” purpose, but rather about embracing a series of “small p” purposes that evolve, shift, and can be explored daily through curiosity and microlearning.
3. Managing the Identity Shift: The transition into retirement brings grief, loss of status, and uncertainty about who we are, but it also opens opportunities for shedding old identities and trying on new ones without long-term commitment.
4. Structuring the Blank Canvas: If you’re used to being busy, it helps to gently reintroduce structure post-retirement—but leave intentional space for creativity and exploration, embracing both boredom and talent for value creation in new forms.
5. Joy as a Guiding Principle: Purpose and joy are not mutually exclusive; in fact, real fulfillment comes when we allow them to intersect—by finding glimmers of excitement and allowing ourselves to pursue whatever sparks curiosity, even if it ends up being a brief detour.

Join us as we challenge assumptions, confront fears, and celebrate the potential for play, curiosity, and new beginnings at any stage. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone ready to graduate into a more joyful, inventive future!

For more on Susan Hensley, including her book Art for Your Sanity and free downloadable resources for art journaling, visit susan-hensley.com. Let’s inspire each other to stay both terrified and optimistic—and above all, curious—about what comes next!

[embed]https://youtu.be/uHc8KZ5Rw3Y[/embed]

To help us navigate this complex and often overwhelming world, I’m joined by Morgan Anderson, CEO and founder of Golden Lion Tax Solutions and the author of Tax Debt Rule Number One: There Is Always a Solution. With over 25 years of experience representing thousands of clients before the IRS and state agencies, Morgan is an expert in charting a path to financial resolution, no matter how dire the tax situation might appear.

During our conversation, Morgan and I dug into the most common causes of tax debt, the innocent mistakes that land “financially astute” individuals in trouble, and the initial steps everyone should take when a dreaded IRS notice arrives in their mailbox. Morgan debunked the myth that tax debt only happens to the financially irresponsible, highlighted the emotional toll these situations can have, and explained how professionals like herself become both advocates and accountability partners for their clients.

We examined practical strategies and resolution pathways, from installment agreements to offers in compromise, and even discussed how to distinguish reputable tax resolution firms from the predatory mills so often advertised late at night. Morgan shared real-life stories—some of triumph, others of lost opportunity—offering a real-world perspective on the importance of proactive action, honest communication, and reliable expert guidance when you’re facing a tax crisis.

We wrapped up by talking about the role of CPAs, financial advisors, and the value of staying engaged with your financial professionals throughout the year—not just at tax time. And, of course, I asked Morgan the quintessential Don’t Retire… Graduate! question: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Key Takeaways:

1. You’re Not Alone—And Action Beats Avoidance: Over 11 million Americans owed money to the IRS in a single tax cycle. Ignoring notices leads to steeper penalties and aggressive collection actions; opening those letters and responding promptly sets the foundation for solution.
2. Tax Debt Is Often Innocent: It can stem from inheritances, business downturns, or errors as simple as a mistyped Social Security number. Many who owe taxes are otherwise responsible and financially savvy individuals.
3. Professional Help Matters—Choose Wisely: For debts over $25,000, a true tax expert (CPA, EA, or specialized advocate) is essential, as IRS negotiations get far more complex. Be wary of “resolution mills”—look for personalized, transparent, and responsive service.
4. Resolution Options Are Varied: From installment plans to offers in compromise (settling for less), penalty abatement, and even leveraging lien subordination, there’s almost always a way forward—especially when guided by your current financial condition.
5. Engage with Advisors Year-Round: Most tax trouble happens when people only check in with CPAs annually. Quarterly reviews and proactive planning around major life events can prevent tax headaches before they start.

Join us to learn how to shed fear and shame around tax problems, discover actionable solutions, and embrace proactive strategies to secure financial peace of mind. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who could use a reminder that, when it comes to taxes, you’re never truly alone—and there’s always a solution.

[embed]https://youtu.be/Vzf-kZ6cXSg[/embed]

1. Representation Matters in Finance: Manny highlights the visible lack of diversity in financial planning, and how seeing few role models in the industry can limit a young person’s belief in the possibilities for their own career.
2. The Power of Exposure and Mentorship: Manny’s journey was shaped by mentors and chance encounters—emphasizing that if you don’t know a career exists, you can’t prepare or aspire to it. Intentional outreach and speaking at schools can create these vital opportunities.
3. Apprenticeship Over “Sink or Swim”: Rather than the traditional approach of pushing new advisors to sell right out of the gate, BFG’s apprenticeship model focuses on gradual learning, client exposure, and holistic development—leading to better advisors and better client outcomes.
4. Excellence Over Perfection: Manny distinguishes himself by expecting perfect effort, not perfect performance, from himself and those around him. He believes in holding high standards while understanding that learning and growth are ongoing processes.
5. Paying It Forward: Manny is committed to giving back—returning to his alma mater, educating others about financial literacy, and striving to be a first-call advocate and steward for his clients and community. He believes true luck and success come at the intersection of preparation and opportunity.

1. Philanthropy Is Personal: Shari emphasized that charitable planning always begins with the client’s unique intent and dreams—never just the technical tools. Professionals must listen deeply to turn intentions into meaningful strategies.
2. Bridging Community Gaps: Recognizing the disconnect between the professional estate planning world and communities of color, Shari founded “Our Legacy Matters” to provide a safe, educational space and bridge miscommunication with accurate, accessible information.
3. Mentorship Matters: A pivotal relationship with her mentor, Aquanetta Betts, shaped Shari’s career and underscored the value of seeking (and becoming) lasting mentors, especially for those without inherited networks or practices.
4. Redefining Generational Philanthropy: Philanthropy in underrepresented communities often centers more on service, time, and talent than on financial gifts—yet these are powerful forms of legacy that deserve recognition and strategic support.
5. The Power of Joyful Reflection: Success isn’t just about relentless achievement. Shari’s decision to pause and intentionally reflect—to “let the sun shine” and dream anew—shows how purposeful rest and pursuit of joy are essential for continued growth.

1. Diverse Career Paths in Finance: Lena emphasized that the financial services industry offers far more than just becoming an advisor. Roles in client relations, marketing, operations, and research are all vital, making it a great field for a wide variety of skill sets and interests.
2. Mentorship and Representation Matter: As someone who experienced firsthand the lack of female role models early on, Lena is committed to mentoring young women and creating pathways for them to succeed in finance. She encourages firms to offer shadowing and internship opportunities to expose students to the real-world variety of financial careers.
3. Collaboration Drives Better Decisions: One of BFG’s guiding principles is collaboration—not just among leaders but across all levels of the organization. Lena explains how inviting input from every team member, including interns, leads to richer discussions, stronger decisions, and a healthy workplace culture.
4. The Value of Study Groups and Advisory Boards: Peer study groups, especially those focused on elevating G2 (second-generation) women leaders, are becoming important spaces for learning and growth within finance. Lena acknowledges that both male and female advocates are needed to accelerate industry-wide change.
5. Progress Toward Inclusion: While change is happening, Lena notes that the industry still has a long way to go to achieve true diversity. She urges firms to look beyond appearances and seek diversity in experiences, perspectives, and education as well as backgrounds, ultimately enabling better connections with a diverse client base.

Tara brings more than 23 years of expertise in move management, downsizing, estate clear outs, and general home organizing. In our candid and wide-ranging conversation, Tara and I dig into the emotional and practical challenges of tackling decades of accumulated “stuff,” often spanning several generations—not just our own collections, but those of our parents, adult children, and relatives who have passed on. We talk about why people keep things for so long, how daunting the downsizing process can feel, and why it’s usually better to tackle it early rather than wait for a crisis.

We also discuss some of the surprising treasures Tara and her team have uncovered hidden in old boxes and back drawers, from forgotten life insurance policies and valuable coin collections to heirlooms and important financial documents. Tara shares tips for making family conversations about decluttering easier, explains her methodical approach to breaking the process down into manageable steps, and emphasizes the importance of community and philanthropy in letting go.

One thing I really appreciated was how Tara approaches downsizing proactively—not just as something you do in retirement, but as a habit worth practicing at every stage of life. She’s full of actionable advice, from digitizing old photos and creating organized shopping lists to setting up systems for periodic purging, getting the whole family involved, and making certain your “secret stuff” is handled with care. There’s also a wealth of resources and professional networks for people seeking help wherever they live.

If you or your family are facing a big transition or you simply want to lighten your load, this episode packs a powerful punch with both wisdom and tangible steps to make the journey smoother.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Early, Start Small: Don’t wait for a crisis to begin decluttering and downsizing. Tackle one room or even one pile at a time, and if you’ve lived in a home for decades, plan for at least a month per decade to manage the process without unnecessary stress.
2. Professional Organizers as Allies: Hiring a reputable, experienced organizer (often through the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) gives you access to trusted resources, emotional support, and systems for uncovering and preserving valuables as well as clearing out everything else effectively.
3. Treasures Among the Chaos: It’s common for teams like Tara’s to discover valuable items such as forgotten life insurance policies, coins, stock certificates, or important documents—sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars or more. Properly sorting and investigating paperwork can truly pay off.
4. Involve the Family and Give Back: Downsizing isn’t just about “stuff”—it’s also a chance to talk about memories, philanthropy, and family storytelling. Regular purges, creating donation bins, and thoughtfully redistributing goods keeps giving at the center of the process.
5. The Power of Three Friends: For peace of mind, identify three trusted people: one who knows your finances, one who knows your passwords, and one who knows about any “secret stuff.” This trio can help ensure your legacy and information are handled as you wish in any emergency.

Join us as we explore how to shed physical and emotional baggage, preserve what truly matters, and set the stage for a future full of intention and possibility. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with anyone ready to take their next step toward living lighter and retiring with purpose!

[embed]https://youtu.be/lGcJjxcur4c[/embed]

1. Redefining Retirement as Graduation: I shared my belief that retirement shouldn’t be a retreat, but a “graduation” into something even better—another chapter of purpose, relevance, and contribution, no matter your age or stage.
2. A Legacy Built to Last: One of my greatest professional aspirations is to build a legacy at BFG that not only endures but thrives beyond my own career and lifetime, continuing to serve clients and foster great talent.
3. The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration: Modeled after a teaching hospital, BFG offers advisors a place to learn and thrive without pressure to “sell”—demonstrating that collaboration and ethical mentorship are the cornerstones of a meaningful career.
4. The Critical Need for Financial Literacy: Navigating the financial world requires knowledge and vigilance. I highlighted accessible resources like our free online financial literacy course at BFG University and recommended involvement in programs like Junior Achievement to help bridge the gap.
5. Choosing the Right Financial Advisor: When seeking an advisor, trust and transparency are paramount. I cautioned listeners to seek professionals who are honest, open, and clear about their offerings—making the advisor-client relationship as authentic and supportive as possible.

Together, Leon and I explored why family law—while often associated with conflict—is fundamentally about problem-solving, listening, and helping clients navigate some of the most stressful moments of their lives. We discussed the financial disruption that divorce can cause, including the challenges of dividing assets, uncovering hidden finances, and ensuring that both spouses exit settlements as fairly as possible. Leon shared fascinating insights on the negotiation process, the role of attorneys and judges, and the necessity of transparency and discovery. We also took a close look at prenuptial agreements—their original intent, when they’re truly needed, and why people often misunderstand or misuse them. Leon even shared a memorable anecdote about counseling a client on the dangers of a poorly crafted prenup, highlighting the ethical and emotional complexities involved.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the need for collaboration among attorneys, financial advisors, and tax professionals when divorce or remarriage is on the table. Finally, Leon discussed how he transitioned his own practice into mediation and best-interest advocacy for children, demonstrating how one can “graduate” into a new, purpose-driven phase of retirement.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Divorce Is a Major Financial Iceberg: Divorce can upend your financial life more suddenly and drastically than almost any other event. It’s critical to approach it with both emotional and financial preparedness—and with strong professional guidance.
2. Transparency Is Essential in Negotiations: Successful outcomes in divorce require both parties to be forthcoming about assets and income. Leon stressed the importance of discovery, due diligence, and recognizing warning signs (like lifestyle-to-income mismatches) that signal hidden finances.
3. Prenups: Prevention and Pitfalls: Prenuptial (or ante-nuptial) agreements have a place, especially in cases involving family businesses or significant pre-marital assets. However, Leon warned that many people misunderstand their necessity and their limits, and that creating unrealistic or overly punitive agreements can backfire emotionally and legally.
4. Division of Assets Is More Nuanced Than It Seems: Not all dollars are created equal—retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and home equity each come with their own tax implications and liquidity considerations. Splitting assets requires careful planning to ensure fairness and minimize tax pitfalls.
5. Graduating Into Retirement Can Mean Redefining Your Role: Leon’s story of shifting from traditional litigation to mediation and best-interest advocacy beautifully illustrates how professionals can—and should—find new purpose as they “graduate” from full-time careers into retirement.

Join us as we unpack these complexities with the help of an expert who’s seen it all. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share Don’t Retire… Graduate! with friends and family—because navigating life’s biggest transitions truly requires the best possible partners on your journey to financial freedom and a meaningful future.

• Participated in over 100 juried group shows from 2015-2024
• Held multiple solo exhibitions, including at the prestigious Scarab Club in Detroit
• Won numerous awards, including the Future of Art Global Masterpiece Award (2024) and Silver and Bronze recognitions from Art Ascent Magazine
• Had her work featured in public collections and on the cover of scientific journals

1. A Serendipitous Start: Akram's journey into the financial industry began unexpectedly at a college career fair, leading to a fulfilling 12-year career dedicated to learning and serving at BFG.
2. Unique Role as Lead Trader: Akram stands out in his role as the lead trader and research specialist, handling thousands of trades annually and overseeing significant financial responsibilities.
3. Commitment to Service: Service is at the heart of Akram’s mission, focusing on bettering the firm, community, and personal circles, emphasizing a servant leadership approach.
4. Educational Distinction: Akram holds a Master's in Financial Services and an accredited portfolio management advisor designation, setting him apart and equipping him with diverse expertise.
5. Future Goals: Akram aims to create efficiencies within the firm, ensuring growth and progression. His professional and personal aspirations align closely with his dedication to becoming an expert and serving the broader community effectively.

1. Roth Conversion Strategy: Jude emphasized the importance of considering Roth conversions as a strategic move to optimize tax-sheltered savings, noting how future tax implications can significantly impact overall wealth.
2. Understanding "Henry's": The episode highlighted the unique challenges faced by "High Earners, Not Rich Yet" and the essential financial planning needed to convert their high incomes into sustainable wealth.
3. Impact of Secure Act 2.0: Jude discussed how the elimination of the Stretch IRA might affect heirs and why forward-thinking tax strategies are imperative to managing future tax liabilities.
4. Money Mindset and Health: Jude shared his personal story, underscoring the importance of a balanced approach to health, wealth, and happiness, advocating for a mindset that welcomes financial planning as a tool for overall well-being.
5. Retirement Income Buckets: We explored using diversified buckets for retirement savings to ensure stability during market fluctuations, enabling retirees to maintain their lifestyle seamlessly.

1. Early Career Development: Andrew Harrell's career began with BFG right after college. Working closely with experienced advisors like Eric Brotman has shaped his understanding and approach to financial advising, particularly in retirement and income planning.
2. Retirement and Income Planning: Andrew emphasizes the importance of starting retirement planning early. He discusses withdrawal rate strategies, tax implications, and the use of various financial products to ensure a sustainable retirement income.
3. Navigating Emotional and Lifestyle Aspects: Retirement is not just a financial transition but also a lifestyle change. Andrew discusses the importance of finding activities that bring fulfillment and purpose post-retirement to avoid stagnation and to enjoy a more fruitful life.
4. Generational Differences in Planning: There are noticeable differences in how baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials approach retirement planning, largely due to changes in the availability of pensions, reliance on social security, and economic conditions.
5. Continuous Learning and Client Engagement: Andrew's commitment to his clients is evident in his willingness to learn and adapt. He values transparency and honesty with clients, embracing the learning opportunities that come with each unique financial situation.

1. Two-Track Planning: Families with special needs children must navigate both personal retirement planning and long-term care planning for their dependent. Early planning and the use of vehicles like life insurance and special needs trusts can help balance these responsibilities.
2. Conversations are Crucial: Engaging in open discussions with family members about estate plans, potential inheritances, and responsibilities ensures smoother transitions and alignment on future care strategies.
3. Prepare for Aging Parents: Observing and discussing your parents' aging process while they’re still competent encourages proactive measures and legal planning, thereby reducing stress and preserving family relationships.
4. Professional Guidance is Key: Consulting with a financial advisor and attorney who specialize in special needs and elder law is crucial in creating and executing effective estate plans to better ensure compliance with laws and optimize financial outcomes.
5. Facing the Independence Issue: When the time comes to address an elderly parent's capability to drive, children often need to take on a parental role for the safety of their loved one and others, despite the discomfort it may cause.

1. Personal Motivation: Dan's passion for long-term care insurance was inspired by personal experiences with his grandmother, underscoring the importance of real-world experiences in shaping career paths.
2. Changing Insurance Landscape: The traditional long-term care insurance market is shrinking, with more carriers offering hybrid policies that provide clients with more immediate, tangible benefits.
3. Building Trust: Dan emphasizes the significance of developing close, trusted relationships with clients, assuring them of support when they need it most.
4. Professional Philosophy: Rather than solely focusing on investment figures, Dan focuses on understanding clients' personal stories to guide them toward better financial decisions.
5. Future Aspirations: Dan's goals revolve around being a trusted professional and an excellent future parent, with the guidance and confidence instilled by his wife and teammates.

1. Curiosity as a Catalyst: Curiosity about money and how it functions can be a powerful motivator. It leads to asking pertinent questions and seeking knowledge, which are essential for understanding financial systems.
2. Start Financial Education Early: Introducing children to financial concepts at a young age, even if it starts with basic ideas like savings, can lay a strong foundation for their financial literacy and decision-making skills.
3. Breaking Generational Poverty: Disrupting the cycle of generational poverty requires intentional actions, setting higher expectations for future generations, and educating oneself about sound financial practices.
4. Balancing Family and Personal Financial Goals: It's crucial to ensure your financial stability while planning for your children's future. Effective conversations and planning can help achieve a balance that secures retirement without compromising children's educational and life goals.
5. Openness to External Guidance: Being open to accepting guidance, assistance, or advocacy can be transformative in achieving financial aspirations. Identifying a trusted advisor to help navigate complex financial decisions is invaluable.

1. Types of Financial Aid (MONEY Acronym): Dr. Beasley introduces the acronym MONEY to describe the five types of financial aid: Merit-based, Opportunity-based, Need-based, Entitlement, and Your Own Money. Understanding each type is crucial to navigating college costs effectively.
2. Early Planning is Essential: Starting from the 9th grade, families should begin planning and preparing for college applications and financial aid opportunities. Dr. Beasley stresses that delaying this process can result in missed financial opportunities, costing families dearly.
3. Maximize Standardized Testing: Despite the rise of test-optional policies, standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT remain critical for scholarship opportunities and college admissions. Dr. Beasley recommends taking tests early and often to achieve the best possible scores.
4. Build a Strong Resume: Students should engage in activities that enhance their resumes, such as earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and participating in programs like Boys State and Girls State. Such accolades can significantly impress admissions officers and improve scholarship chances.
5. Financial Aid Strategies: Correctly filling out the FAFSA is critical, as mistakes can cost families tens of thousands of dollars. Dr. Beasley also highlights strategies like leveraging ROTC scholarships and understanding institutional aid policies to reduce reliance on personal funds.

1. Claudia’s Inspirational Journey: Claudia was moved to enter finance by observing her father’s disciplined financial habits. This demonstrates the significant impact parents can have on their children's financial literacy and career choices.
2. Career Path & Experience: Claudia’s career has been diverse, ranging from assisting a team of advisors to managing a growth and income SMA. Her varied experiences have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to effectively support her clients.
3. Transition from Large to Small Firms: Moving from Wells Fargo's massive organization to the more personal environment at BFG was a notable shift. However, it offered Claudia the opportunity to engage more deeply with her clients and understand their financial situations on a personal level.
4. Importance of Accountability: The concept of having an accountability partner at BFG has been a significant factor in personal and professional growth for Claudia. Monthly meetings to discuss goals have helped her maintain focus and drive.
5. Financial Wellness Programs: These programs allow financial advisors like Claudia to reach a broader audience, offering personalized financial advice and guidance. These programs can profoundly affect the financial health and understanding of participants.

1. Personal Accountability Over Politics: Joe emphasizes that regardless of recent election outcomes or political affiliations, personal accountability and action based on current facts are crucial for financial success. Quoting Jack Welch, Joe highlights the importance of accepting reality as it is, not how we wish it to be.
2. Investment Strategy: Joe argues that successful investing requires comfort with uncertainty and avoiding market timing. He gives an example of a friend who took advantage of a market drop to invest more, advocating for a long-term perspective.
3. Federal Reserve’s Influence: The discussion reveals that the Federal Reserve has more short-term economic influence than the presidency. This insight challenges the common perception that political changes drastically affect personal financial strategies.
4. Enjoying Life Experiences: Joe and I stress the importance of not waiting until old age to enjoy meaningful experiences due to potential health issues. Experiencing life now, rather than delaying gratification, is crucial for overall well-being.
5. Community and Family Time: Personal hobbies and shared experiences, such as building Lego sets or playing board games, can provide significant non-material value. These activities help build strong relationships and create lasting memories, emphasizing that finance is not just about money but about what it enables people to do.

Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life that’s filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you’re counting down the days to retirement or just starting to plan, we’re here to help you not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years.

In every episode, we’ll explore how you can make the most of this exciting time by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are. You’ll hear from award-winning authors, financial experts, influencers, and everyday people with inspiring stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for achieving financial independence, managing your wealth, and making decisions that support your dreams.

We’ll cover everything from personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more. And it’s not just about the money—we’ll dive deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement too. How do you maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community? We’re here to help you design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future.

And don’t forget to check out our bonus content every other week, where you’ll get to meet the incredible team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors. We’ll share real stories from the frontlines of financial planning and give you insider tips on how to make your retirement dreams a reality.

Retirement is not the absence of work—it’s the absence of needing to work. So, why not graduate into a life of purpose, passion, and financial freedom? Tune in to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and let’s make these years the best ones of your life.

Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app and join us as we turn the page on traditional retirement and step into a life of limitless possibilities. I’m Eric Brotman—let’s get you graduated.

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Dr. Downing is a psychologist and confidence coach who specializes in the treatment of public speaking anxiety. She is the host of the Find Your Voice, Change Your Life podcast and teaches her 7-step process for transforming anxiety through presence and connection.

Listen to her conversation with Eric and follow her steps to find your own voice. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Public speaking anxiety and where it comes from

• How to overcome the fear of public speaking

• Getting comfortable talking about things you’re uncomfortable talking about 

• Setting realistic goals and visions for your future

• Focusing on being rather than doing

• Facing fears, financially or in life

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Dr. Doreen Downing:

Dr. Doreen Downing is a Psychologist and Confidence Coach who specializes in the treatment of public speaking anxiety. She also hosts the Find Your Voice, Change Your Life Podcast. 

Doreen once suffered from extreme stage fright. In conquering it, she discovered being connected to your authentic self is the key to relaxed and confident speaking. 

In addition to coaching and online courses, she is author of Essential Speaking: The 7-Step Guide to Finding Your Real Voice, a book that teaches you how to transform your anxiety with presence and connection.  

Website: https://www.essentialspeaking.com 

Course website: https://essential-speaking.thinkific.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdoreenh/ 

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/drdoreendowning/ 

Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/EssentialSpeaking 

Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/essentialspeakingbook 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentialspeaking/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdoreenh 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/drdoreenh 

Podcast Playlist: https://www.findyourvoicechangeyourlife.com 

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Between the high number of boomers retiring and the low number of people joining the workforce, it's only natural that Social Security will look a lot different for Gen Z, Millenials, and even Gen X.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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She is a thought leader in spiritual entrepreneurship who is helping business owners break out of their comfort zones, let others take the wheel, and build a brand with authenticity. 

Listen to her story and how she made the choice to redefine her success. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

•What it means to be “always becoming”

•How legacies are seen as money, but should be something far deeper

•Tombstone moments and how Tamra made the decision to change her own life in search of fulfillment 

•Redefining wealth and legacy

•Turning work into play and finding joy in what you do everyday 

•The elements of building a business and a brand with authenticity 

•The power of retreats and why they’re helpful in life and in business

•Why comfort zones are where people go to die

•Surprises and the power of not knowing

•Entering your transformation zone and capturing your message that can become your business, podcast, book, or legacy

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

I've been called a human sparkler (who doesn't need a little sparkle in their life) and a top thought leader in spiritual entrepreneurship.

I'm an international speaker, 2x best selling author, and the founder and chief evangelist of F.I.T. in Faith Media Company.

As an ordained minister, I am commissioned to activate purpose-driven leaders personally and professionally with their broadcasted messages and businesses through publishing, podcasting, and play.

Yes, work should be fun!

My role as an event host to annual conferences and retreats enables me to help unleash identity and freedom around the world by bringing together other like-hearted and like-minded sisters and brothers!

www.tamraandresss.com

www.fitinfaithmedia.com

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The short answer is it can do both, but there are ways to offer an allowance that can teach your child about saving, philanthropy, and other important life lessons.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Her passions for journalism and financial technology are helping underrepresented communities access financial services and she is a thought leader on how to improve the technology to better serve those communities. 

Listen to her story, eat some vegetables, and start improving your own financial behaviors. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The WTFintech newsletter and how it helps grow representation within the finance industry 

• Gamification and how it can be both good and bad when it comes to finance

• How finance apps like Venmo are designed to produce FOMO rather than good financial behaviors

• The effects of culture on personal finance and financial behavior 

• Changing the mindset we have around money so it can be a tool for change 

• The game is rigged – why the majority is losing while a small number win 

• The power of authenticity and vulnerability in the media

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Nicole Casperson:

Nicole Casperson is the creator of WTFintech? - a twice-weekly industry newsletter with nearly 50,000 subscribers, and averaging a 45% unique open rate. 

She is the host of Humans of Fintech (formerly WTFintech?) - a weekly podcast taking you behind the scenes with some of the most successful fintech founders operating today. With a particular focus on women and operators from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Nicole on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicolecasperson 

Nicole on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nicole-casperson-0820a5133 

Nicole's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humans-of-fintech/id1600731457

Nicole's Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/

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This answer can vary based on your spending habits, so Eric is here to outline who may benefit from each option.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Dr. Ann James is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a Certified Financial Coach, and the CEO of Financial Freedom Battle Buddies, and is on a mission to help fellow veterans transform their financial well-being. 

We thank Dr. James and all her fellow veterans for their service and are proud to share her story with you today. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Dr. Ann James’s story of military service, single parenthood of a child of special needs, and how she found her passion for personal finance.

• The importance of financial planning as a parent of a child with special needs.

• The B.A.T.T.L.E. plan for financial freedom.

• The loss of financial security many military families feel when they leave the service.

• Necessary versus unnecessary debt.

• The unique challenges that are faced by the military community and the challenges that come with working with the community.

• Advice for military members who are still serving for transitioning out of the military.

• What comes next and what Dr. James wants to be when she grows up.

About Dr. Ann James

Dr. Antoinette (Ann) James began her career as an enlisted member in the U.S. Air Force. Over her military career, she held numerous positions which included personnel administration and financial management. Upon earning her commission, she was responsible for executing multi-million-dollar operating budgets within the U.S. and overseas. After 21 years of proud service, she retired and went on to earn her Doctorate of Education. 

 Currently, as a Certified Financial Coach and CEO of Financial Freedom Battle Buddies, Dr. Ann is on a mission to educate and equip military veterans on how to transform their financial well-being using her B.A.T.T.L.E method. She’s been featured and cited on several platforms such as USA Today and the Penny Hoarder. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. 

www.drannjames.com

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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Everyone experiences buyer's remorse at some point in their life, and Eric is no different. Hear what he has regretted purchasing in his life, and send us a message about your biggest spending regrets.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Tiffany is a fantastic content creator within the personal finance space—except for her online quiz that must be broken if Eric did not get a perfect score—and is one of the many money nerds making financial literacy accessible to the public. 

Listen to her story and take her online quiz (after you listen to Eric giving out the answers, of course) to see if you can beat Eric’s 92%. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Tiffany’s upbringing that led her to financial and professional success 

• Student loans and how to go through graduate school without paying tuition and/or getting paid

• Financial literacy and the lack of education in most schools

• Extra credit assignments and why those who need help aren’t the ones who seek it

• The Money Talk with Tiff podcast and how it’s helping to spread financial education

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Tiffany Grant:

Where do I start? I am a self-proclaimed money nerd and proud of it! I live and breathe finances. After years of giving impromptu advice to family and friends, I said why not start a blog? This way all of the knowledge will have an online platform and reach even more people!  

From a young age, I was always money-conscious. I remember being as young as 6 and clipping coupons. Did anyone use them? Nope, but I found joy in going through the motions. When I got my first job at 16, I used coupons to get more bang for my buck. Once I saw how helpful they were, I used coupons for everything! Cashiers were impressed by a teenager leaving with a cart full of items for only $20.  

​As time progressed, I wanted to do more with my money. I started investing at the age of 19. I had amassed a few thousand dollars but decided to sell it all when times got rough. Big mistake but I had to do what I could.  

I bought my first house at the age of 26. How? By saving, keeping a close eye on my credit, and living well below my means. Frugal is my middle name! Wealth-building is all about having goals and being laser-focused on accomplishing them. My next goal is to be debt-free (except the house) by age 30.

What makes this even more amazing is I did it all while being a single mother of two little boys, working full-time, and going to school. Now, what's your excuse? Let's get started! Time is ticking!

I have a Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), SHRM-CP, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and years of experience helping people like you!

https://www.moneytalkwitht.com/

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The factors causing the current market conditions are unique, but there is a common factor that exists between all the corrections we've seen in the past: fear. This episode will explain what is happening in the markets right now and what investors should be doing.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Natalie’s story of being raised by immigrants during the LA Riots, experiencing the cultural differences between the rich and poor, and learning about money the same way she learned a second language should serve as inspiration for anyone struggling to reach financial independence. 

We are so glad to have her here to share her story, discuss what it’s like to be successful in an industry in which you’re underrepresented, and that sometimes you just need to give yourself a little grace. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Natalie’s upbringing and personal finance became a language she had to learn

• Being patient with yourself and figuring out what you can learn in 20 minutes each day 

• Generational and familial differences and how we all struggle differently 

• The field of finance and how breaking through it as a woman and/or a person of color is still a challenge 

• Figuring out what works for you and giving yourself grace

• Learning from your mistakes more than when things go well

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Nathalie Torres-Haddad:

She is an international award winning author, educator and bilingual podcast host of Financially Savvy in 20 Minutes. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, LA Times, and many news outlets like Telemundo and Fox. 

A two time TEDx speaker known for her talk “The foreign language of financial literacy”. 

Some of her videos have received over a million views and is a sought out keynote speaker all over the country as a financial literacy and mental health advocate. A first generation college graduate from CSULB, in Finance and International Business with a Masters from CSUN, she focuses on helping those with debt and working toward financial independence. Her first children's book in 2020 Made the #1 best seller on Amazon: "A dress to remember" based on the nonprofit LA's Prom Closet she had for several years. Born in El Salvador, and raised in Inglewood she quickly understood that the lack of financial literacy limits her community of basic human rights and equality in resources. She started investing in real estate at age 24 and began her career advocating for financial literacy.  

http://financiallysavvyin20minutes.com/

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The first step of any journey can be difficult, but in this case we think education is a great place to start. After that, it can depend on your goals and will take practice.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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Investing has become entertainment media and everyone wants to be slinging stocks, but Joseph shares his ideas about why very few people should really own individual stocks and why funds are better for the vast majority. Plus, hear his three rules to follow to not lose money when investing. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• What investing really is and how it can give everyone a taste of entrepreneurship 

• The reason people are scared or intimidated by investing 

• Human behavior and how we tend to make the wrong choices with our money

• Looking at stock market crashes as flash sales

• How to tell the difference between good financial advice and not-so good advice 

• Who should or should not own individual stocks and how to balance your portfolio for growth 

• The 3 rules to not lose money on stocks 

• When you should or should not sell your shares 

• Concentrated stock positions and overweighting your portfolio in one investment, including your own company 

• Income risk and financial risk in choosing your investments 

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Joseph Hogue

Born and raised in Iowa, Joseph Hogue graduated from Iowa State University after serving in the Marine Corps. He worked in corporate finance and real estate before starting a career in investment analysis. He has appeared on Bloomberg and CNBC and led a team of equity analysts for a venture capital research firm. He holds a master’s degree in business and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. 

Joseph left the corporate world in 2014 to build his online businesses, first through creating websites and later through his YouTube channel, Let's Talk Money. He's since grown the community to over 550,000 and reaches more than 1.8 million people a month through the blogs, YouTube and a weekly market newsletter. 

https://www.youtube.com/c/LetsTalkMoneywithJosephHogueCFA

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This can be a hard situation to navigate, but bringing in a financial professional is a great way to start.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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And your eyes are not deceiving you—this season we’re recording in VIDEO! If you’re on an audio-only player, thank you so much for listening. If you’re watching our first time doing this on camera, thank you and welcome! 

Starting a new season is exciting enough, but we wanted to really kick it off, so we brought back one of our favorite guests and all-time favorite Stacker, Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamin’s podcast and co-author of the book STACKED: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management. 

Joe is back to share some of his experiences from his past life as a financial advisor, including the best and worst advice he’s ever heard and the red flags he’s seen from other advisors that should have you running for the office exit. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Social media and the harmful financial advice that can be found on it

• What compliance means and how it keeps financial advisors from sharing bad information

• Identifying the filters, credentials, and backgrounds of the people you get advice from online

• Bernie Madoff, undisclosed insiders, and schemers to look out for 

• Red flags of financial advisors you can see just walking into the office—from what’s on the television to the layout of the furniture

• Asking who, not how when you need to do learn something new—like writing a great book with Emily Guy Birken 

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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The career path for a financial advisor is not well-defined, but there are several ways to get into the industry for a successful career. 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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This episode, originally released in season 3, features Heidi Herman, author of On with the Butter: Spread More Living onto Everyday Life. At 93 years old, Heidi’s mother made a list of 93 new experiences she wanted to try before she turned 94—from paragliding in Iceland to visiting the Great Barrier Reef to ziplining through the Mall of America. Now, Heidi joins us on the show to talk about the experiences her and her mother tried together and how they are inspiring others to embrace life fully.

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Heidi’s mother and her secret to embracing life
• Ideas for exciting new experiences and ways to find something new you can try regardless of age or ability
• Thinking about what you want to be when you grow up and what you want to do when you’re no longer tied to a career
• The icelandic saying of Áfram með Smjörið and how it inspired Heidi and her mother

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Setting a savings goal for retirement is trying to hit a moving target, so you should be revisiting this question regularly. But if you're trying to do the math, this episode can help. 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Today, we’re welcoming back Kristy Schiano, Yogi and owner of the Mindful Movement Center, to tell her story of tragedy, loss, strength, and resilience. While training for a triathlon, Kristy was hit by a truck and suffered severe physical and mental injuries, causing her to lose nearly everything—including the ability to walk and talk—but she held strong to hope and joy. Her recovery has centered around helping others manage their chronic pain through yoga and meditation. Listen to her story and take her extra credit assignment seriously (even if it won’t be graded)!

*Please note this episode is rereleased from season 1, and we will NOT be taking a break. Come back next week for another episode of Office Hours!*

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Kristy’s story of being hit by a truck while training for a triathlon and needing to relearn everything we take for granted
• Financial, physical, and spiritual wellness and how they interact in our daily lives
• Using meditation and breathing techniques in times of stress and anxiety
• Pivot points we experience throughout our lives, both expected and unexpected
• Financial wellness, paying yourself first, and having a plan for the future
• Spirituality, religion, and the spiritual journey Kristy experienced through yoga
• The power of empathy and compassion

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Take a look under the hood to understand how financial advisors generate revenue, what asset minimums are for, and how BFG is doing things differently with Financial Planning for All. 

Have a question? Post it in the comments, tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Today, we’re welcoming back our very own Yanni Niebuhr, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer here at BFG Financial Advisors. Originally released way back in our first season, this episode is still as relevant as ever and covers the financial planning from the perspectives of the Millennial and Gen X generations, and how people are planning differently about the next chapter of their lives. And please join us in congratulating our guest, who, in the time since this episode was recorded, welcomed his second baby boy!  

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How retirement planning is a marathon, not a sprint, and why planning should start early
• How Yanni, a Towson University grad, got his start in financial planning and what he wants to be when he grows up
• The sandwich generation and multigenerational financial planning
• How millennials and adults in their twenties or thirties can be doing to prepare for retirement
• The average debt and student loans for recent grads and how it can hurt your financial independence
• Deciding what your financial priority should be
• Legacy planning and leaving behind things more important than money – freedom, independence, vision, values
• Talking about money within families and how views can vary with your parents, spouse, or grandparents
• Side hustles and how they’re impacting the idea of FIRE (financially independent retire early)
• Entrepreneurship and small business self-employment and how it can help you pursue your passions
• Social awareness and the importance it holds with younger generations
• Pensions, three-legged stools, social security and other antiquated retirement ideas being replaced by “you’re on your own”
• Living in two-income society vs older generations able to live on a single income
• Transferring wealth between generations, to children and grandchildren, in tax-efficient ways through life insurance, trusts, and 529 College Savings Plans without creating a Billy Madison situation
• Unemployment and underemployment, and the shrinking value of college degrees

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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Determining a reasonable withdrawal rate depends on factors including your asset level, retirement timeline, and age. Eric explains three different asset structuring strategies that can help you avoid outliving your money. 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The major purchase of engagement rings and best practices for budgeting, choosing a ring, and getting it insured
• When to talk about finances with your partner and what you should be talking about
• Who should be considering a prenuptial agreement and how do you address it
• Roles and responsibilities in the relationship and how to merge them as a couple
• Combining finances and determining which account should be separate and who is financially responsible for what
• Finding the happy medium when a spender marries a saver
• How to handle inheritances after marriage and determining if it’s a marital asset
• Estate planning as a married couple
• Looking at benefits and beneficiaries with the possibility of widowhood in mind

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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Student loans can be confusing and there is a lot to know. We're talking about a few different factors including return on investment and whether or not the loan is subsidized. 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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Today’s episode from season 2 (originally released at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic) features Cait Lockwood (formerly Caitlin Pyle), founder of Work-at-Home School and Proofread Anywhere, talking about how she went from being fired from a job to building a seven-figure company she could run from home. Listen to this great conversation about how you can build your own business without leaving the house—even if you’re already retired.

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Remote work and unemployment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
• Cait’s journey from being fired to building two businesses
• Discovering the viability of full-time freelance work
• What it takes to be entrepreneurial and create your own company
• Advice for someone looking to change careers or generate additional income
• The three-step system for success as a freelancer
• Identifying the lies we’re programmed to believe that can keep us from reaching our full potential
• Breaking past the self-doubt that can hold you back and replacing them with truths
• Abundance mindset vs scarcity mindset
• Leveling up by identifying existing skills and learning new ones
• The importance of confidence in successfully launching as a freelancer
• Changing the way we see retirement and throwing out conventional idea of retirement
• The reality of fixed income and how you can un-fix it
• Thinking outside—or breaking out of—the box you’re in to make more money and reach financial independence
• Inflation rate and how it affects retirees and seniors more than the rest of us
• The main things seniors spend money on – leisure, health care, education for grandkids, and scratch-off lotto tickets
• The investment of online courses for building new skills
• Millennials, participation trophies, and accepting failure as a lesson
• Vetting online courses and creators and filtering out scams
• Understanding affiliate marketing and how you can use it to make commission income
• Using social media and your existing networks for market research and finding clients

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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This can vary based on a lot of factors, and emergency funds don't need to just be in the form of savings accounts. Eric explores the different layers that can make up your emergency fund and the rules of thumb for how much money is safe. 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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In this episode we’ll talk about:
•Behavioral finance and looking at the role psychology plays in our financial lives 
•How people are uniquely stupid when it comes to money and how the brain reacts when thinking about money
•The biases we all can fall victim to that can negatively affect our investments 
•Decision making styles applied to money versus everywhere else in our lives
•The performance of Amazon stock over the past twenty years
•Day trading and how active investors tend to underperform 
•Action bias, confirmation bias, investing alongside your political party, investing alongside your morals, loss aversion, the house money effect, and mental accounting and how they all affect our financial choices 
•The value of a financial advisor versus doing it yourself 
•Results of studies on financial advising, including investors working with advisors accumulating far more wealth than those without advisors 
•The meaning of the term fiduciary and how it applies to finance and psychology 
•Giving up on dreams of professional sports careers
•Positive psychology, PERMA, and Dr. Martin Seligman’s contribution 
  
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

Dr. Crosby's Book 

About Daniel Crosby

Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets. Dr. Crosby's first book, Personal Benchmark: Integrating Behavioral Finance and Investment Management, was a New York Times bestseller. His second book, The Laws of Wealth, was named the best investment book of 2017 by the Axiom Business Book Awards and has been translated into 7 languages. His latest work, The Behavioral Investor, is a comprehensive look at the neurology, physiology and psychology of sound financial decision-making.  

https://www.standarddeviationspod.com

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Have a question? Post it in the comments, tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

•The difference between math and personal finance 
•Why we overestimate our abilities in nearly all aspects, but doubt our abilities to understand and make money
•Money stories and how we’re shaped to make decisions as children
•Why it’s so hard to create a formal education in personal finance
•The struggles teachers face when creating personal finance curriculums
•Nonprofit organizations that have resources available for schools and students 
•How kids can start learning about money as early as preschool and how we can teach money concepts at different ages
•Entrepreneurship, pre-selling a business idea, and crowdfunding
•Understanding regret and buyer’s remorse as a child
•The ice cream theory of teaching patience and delayed gratification to toddlers

Visit www.misformoneybook.com to learn more about Rob's book.
  
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Rob Phelan

Rob Phelan is a high school math and personal finance teacher in Frederick, Maryland, a Certified Financial Education Instructor, business owner, and author of the recently published children’s book, M is for Money. 

Rob is a passionate advocate for greater levels of financial education to help our youth make better financial decision moving into their futures. 

Rob Phelan Facebook

Rob Phelan Twitter

Rob Phelan Instagram

Rob Phelan LinkedIn

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There is so much going on in the market right now that is making purchasing a home -- especially your first home -- particularly difficult and expensive. Do you go for it or wait it out?

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

A full transcript of this episode can be found at dontretiregraduate.com.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:
• The importance of having money conversations at home 
• Sharita’s story of becoming a mom early, the feelings of failure that came with losing her home, and her experience living in a motel for close to a year
• How financial literacy education can change your financial trajectory 
• How it feels to leave traditional employment and scratch an entrepreneurial itch
• Keeping experiences as a line item on a budget 
• Creating a safety net by building an emergency fund 
• Creating jobs and abundance through agriculture 
• Seeing your budget as a blueprint to keep you in the driver’s seat 
  
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

www.sharitamhumphrey.com

www.changeinmotion.co

About Sharita M. Humphrey

Sharita M. Humphrey is a nationally recognized, award-winning finance expert and money mentor. Having previously been broke and homeless herself, Sharita knows first-hand that financial freedom has a blueprint and she’s committed to helping individuals change the financial trajectories of their lives.  

Sharita is a certified financial educator, speaker, and coach. At her namesake financial consulting company, Sharita helps minority women better understand, manage, and grow their money. Sharita also helps Black and Brown entrepreneurs learn how to accelerate their businesses and secure funding through her other company, Change In Motion, which offers a comprehensive education program.  

In 2020, Sharita was named National Financial Educator of the Year for her work within her local community and across the country. She is a regular contributor to entrepreneurial publications and has been featured in top-tier media including CNBC, iHeartMedia, Forbes, Yahoo Finance and BBC World News.  

This year, Sharita and her family set a goal of purchasing hundreds of acres of land over the next few years to build a family-run farm. During their journey, Sharita is teaching minority farmers how to obtain monies to acquire farmland and helping them to retain their land for generations to come.  

Sharita M. Humphrey Facebook 
Sharita M. Humphrey Instagram
Sharita M. Humphrey Linkedin

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Unfortunately this is not a circumstance many of us will see ourselves in, but let's talk about it anyway. What are the realities of winning the lottery?

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:
• Emily’s goals for every day
• How to see your finances as a Tetris game and use it to help with budgeting 
• How an emergency fund is the Easy Spin of budgeting 
• Taking control of your money rather than seeing it as something out of your control
• Gamification of money and when it is good versus when it can be harmful
• The mental activation that comes with gamification and identifying what behavior is being rewarded 
• Hiring an advisor who won’t bleed you dry and the three questions you should ask a financial advisor  
• How to know if your advisor is actively doing the work to help you meet your goals and recognize your money values
• Why you want an advisor who works with people similar to you
•  Paying attention to professional designations and understanding the regulations and standards that come with them
• Why a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard of financial advisors
• Understanding what an advisor does for his/her clients
• Who the perfect Stacked reader is
• Emily’s retirement readiness checklist and the things you should be thinking about to be ready to retire
• Identifying one good thing everyday   

No Stacking Benjamins hosts were harmed in the making of this episode. 

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

Download Emily's Retirement Readiness Checklist at emilyguybirken.com/DRG

About Emily Guy Birken

Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.  

She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.   

Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family. 

www.emilyguybirken.com

Facebook: Emily Guy Birken

Twitter: @EmilyGuyBirken

Instagram: @EmilyGuyBirken 

LinkedIn: Emily Guy Birken

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This is a great question and the answer varies by person, but there are a few employee benefit options that most people underutilize and even ignore.

Find a full transcript of this episode at dontretiregraduate.com.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

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In this episode we’ll talk about:
• Cutting expenses to save money and pay off debt
• Living frugally without sacrificing your lifestyle 
• Using your passions to bring in extra income 
• How to make a full-time income with part-time work 
• Dispelling the myth that retirement means not working at all 
• Living with an abundance mentality rather than a scarcity mentality 
• Employee benefits without an employer
• Insurance considerations when in an early retirement 
• How money experiences growing up can affect your perspective on money as an adult
• Gamifying your finances to motivate you towards your goals
• Overconsumption and how to avoid it
• Using money to buy freedom rather than stuff
• The Financial Roadmap

Steven & Lauren's Financial Roadmap: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/roadmap/

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. 

About Lauren ad Steven Keys:

We’re Lauren and Steven, a middle-class couple who managed to bank enough money to retire from our full-time jobs at age 29. By making a few lifestyle tweaks soon after graduation, we grew a buffer of cash and investments that gave us a ton of flexibility and enabled us to do some really fun stuff too, like taking six months off to explore Hawaii and another seven months to travel to every National Park in the US. Now we’re hoping to help other people (like you!) do something similar.

TripofaLifestyle.com

Facebook: Trip Of A Lifestyle

Twitter: TOALifestyle

Instagram: Trip Of A Lifestyle

Linked In: Trip Of A Lifestyle

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This is a great question and the simple answer is no. Listen to hear Eric explain what a fiduciary is, why it's important to know if your advisor is a fiduciary, and how you can tell.

Have a question? Post it in the comments, tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Find a full transcript of this episode at dontretiregraduate.com.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

•The asset shift from baby boomer men to women that will be taking place over the next decade
•How women and men look at financial advice and manage money differently 
•The need for women in financial planning
•Personal financial literacy education and how to know if your school is teaching it
•Understanding your money history and starting conversations about it as a couple
•How you can get even half a point better each day

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

https://checkyourschool.org/

https://www.jumpstart.org/

https://freeguide.chieffinancialmom.com/

About Mary Bell Carlson

Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is a financial behavior expert and has worked in both the military and government communities for the last decade. From the bowels of the Pentagon to international audiences, Dr. Carlson has presented numerous financial seminars and worked on a variety of financial planning and education projects.

After getting married and having her two daughters, she started Chief Financial Mom.com, a personal finance education platform to help busy moms. Currently, she also works as adjunct faculty for the financial planning programs at both the University of Georgia and Texas Tech University.

ChiefFinancialMom.com

Facebook @ChiefFinancialMom 

Twitter @ChiefFinanceMom 

Instagram @ChiefFinancialMom 

YouTube Channel @Chief Financial Mom 

Linkedin @Mary Bell Carlson, Ph.D., CFP®, AFC® 

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This was a hard question to answer because there are a LOT of mistakes people make. The common factor for all of them? Emotions.

Have a question? Post it in the comments, tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

A full transcript of this episode can be found at dontretiregraduate.com.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The cost and opportunity cost associated with Ivy league education.
• Recognizing a financial advisor that is great and one that just wants to sell you something
• The role psychology plays in financial services
• Debating controversial topics in personal finance: passive versus active portfolio management, index funds versus value index
• The traditional definition of retirement, why it is unhealthy, and how to do it better
• FIRE community and the FIRE movement, and the life satisfaction research that suggests it may not be the best goal
• The four legs of the success table: money, relationships, health, and purpose

https://andrewhallam.com/balance/

Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.

About Andrew Hallam:

Andrew Hallam is the international best-selling author of Balance: How to Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health and Wealth; Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School and Millionaire Expat: How To Build Wealth Living Overseas. Profiled on such media as CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, he's also the first person to have a #1 selling finance book on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon UAE. He has written columns for The Globe and Mail, Canadian Business, MoneySense, Swissquote and AssetBuilder. Since 2016 he has spoken at businesses and international schools in over 30 different countries.

Links:

https://andrewhallam.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/445218675653782 https://www.facebook.com/millionaireteacher
https://twitter.com/aphallam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hallam-44b81627/

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Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Visit brotmanmedia.com for a full transcript of this episode.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The meaning of financial feminism.
• The difference in financial power between men and women/non-binary individuals. 
• How the wage gap can affect financial security in retirement.
• The importance of having assets in your own name and checking your beneficiary designations. 
• The need for large-scale financial literacy education and where it can come from.
• Gender roles in our culture and their effect on financial equity. 
• Paying down debt and saving money on a low salary. 
• How Kara founded Bravely Go, the feminist financial education company. 
• Looking at personal finance from a broader lens.

Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.

About Kara Perez:

Kara Perez is the founder of Bravely Go, a feminist financial education company. Bravely Go focuses on bringing actionable, intersectional and accessible financial education to people via pop up events and online community. Kara has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, NPR, Glamour, ABC Nightline News, and US News and World Report as a financial expert. Additionally, Kara co hosts the award winning podcast The Fairer Cents, which has been named the top money podcast for women by Forbes and The Balance.

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/webravelygo/
https://twitter.com/bravelygo
https://www.facebook.com/webravelygo
https://www.tiktok.com/@webravelygo?lang=en
https://www.bravelygo.co/

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A robo-advisor has its place, and Eric explores this question from two perspectives: simple investment management and comprehensive financial planning.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!

Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How Rachel retired at 27 with $20,000 of monthly passive income
• Self-publishing tips for personal finance writers
• Why Money Honey was written to begin with
• Seeing market dips as a sale on stocks and an opportunity for a good deal
• The misconception of how you lose money in the stock market
• The value of time in growing wealth 
• Strategies for creating passive income streams and retiring early 
• The steps you take to designing your dream life
• Having a plan for what you want to do with your time in retirement, whether you’re retiring early or at a traditional age
• The importance of writing down your goals
• Recognizing if a financial advisor is a fiduciary or a scammer

Free budgeting worksheet: www.moneyhoneyrachel.com/worksheets 

Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.

About Rachel Richards:

At the age of 27, Rachel Richards quit her job and retired, living off $15,000 per month in passive income. Rachel is the bestselling author of “Money Honey” and “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement.” She built a real estate portfolio of 38 rental units by the age of 26. She is a former financial advisor, and has been featured in CNN and Business Insider. By making the topic of money management fun, entertaining, and simple, Rachel has helped thousands of millennials work their way out of financial despair.

Links:

• www.moneyhoneyrachel.com
• www.facebook.com/MoneyHoneyRachel
• www.instagram.com/moneyhoneyrachel

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There are two ways to look at this question, and this episode covers both. How do you create the habit itself, and what are those changes? 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!

For a full transcript of this episode, visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts.

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• Joe’s journey from financial advisor to teacher to writer to podcaster
• Building financial careers without financial backgrounds
• How, despite the massive amounts of financial resources available, people are still being left behind
• How many people end up crying over money, even if they’re making six figures
• The disconnect between our values and what we do with our money
• Social media’s effect on the popularity of real estate investing, cryptocurrency
• The idea of getting rich quick with cryptocurrency that can be dangerous for a lot of investors
• The evolution of the Stacking Benjamins podcast
• The important role that automation plays in growing wealth

Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.

Link to the study: https://www.nonfiction.co/reports

Link to Joe's book: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/stacked/

About Joe Saul-Sehy:

Joe is the creator and co-host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast and co-author of STACKED: Your Super-Serious Guide To Modern Money. Current board member at large of The Plutus Foundation. Former board president and Board Member of Partnership For The Pathway.

While Joe’s “money expert story” includes being a former financial advisor (16 years) and representing American Express and Ameriprise in the media. His real story is how he was a money disaster in his early life, pulled his financial house into order, and left his business at age 40 to pursue an entirely different path.

Joe was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. His advice has appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers. He’s also appeared online in more than 200 different places, including CNBC.com and WSJ.com.

The Stacking Benjamins Show was called the “Best Personal Finance Podcast” by Kiplinger. Lifehacker listed the show as one of the top 10 of 2021. Joe and the SB team have won five Plutus Awards and the Academy of Podcasters “Best Business Podcast” award (beating well-known shows like The Tim Ferriss Show, How I Built This, and Gimlet’s StartUp).

The Stacking Benjamins Show is created in Joe’s mom’s basement in Texarkana, Texas, where Joe lives with his spouse Cheryl and their cat Cooper.

Links:

• www.stackingbenjamins.com
• www.joesaulsehy.com
• Twitter: @SBenjaminsCast
• Twitter: @AverageJoeMoney
• Instagram: @stackingbenjaminspodcast
• YouTube: StackingBenjamins
• Facebook: IStackBenjamins

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Of course, this is another case of "it depends." Listen to Eric explain when it may be a good idea to invest that extra money and when it's okay to make that mortgage number start falling.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How to get YouTube famous and be broke at the same time
• Gaby’s journey as a content creator and how they got started in personal finance
• The shame and embarrassment we feel about our net worth, whether its high or low
• The relativity of wealth 
• Investing and finance apps gamifying investing and the danger it can impose on users
• Getting addicted to stock trading and checking the markets
• Student loans and the debt crisis
• Student loans vs medical debt vs other types of debt
• The difficulties that Millennials and Gen Z face that is different than any generation before them
• How paying attention to your finances is the first step—and maybe the hardest—to being good with money

Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.

About Gaby Dunn:

Gaby Dunn (they/them) is a New York Times bestselling author, comedian and LGBTQ advocate living in Los Angeles. Gaby has served as a writer on BIG MOUTH (Netflix) and has developed original television pilots with MTV, 20th Century Fox, YouTube Originals, FX and Netflix. Gaby is the host and creator of the podcast, Bad With Money with Gaby Dunn, now in its eighth season, where they have interviewed guests like Suze Orman, Andrew Yang, and Elizabeth Warren. A non-fiction book based on the podcast was published by Simon & Schuster in 2019. Gaby co-wrote the novels I Hate Everyone But You, a New York Times bestseller in 2018, and the sequel Please Send Help… published in 2019. Gaby’s debut original graphic novel, Bury The Lede, in partnership with BOOM! Studios is currently being adapted as a television series and both of Gaby’s latest novels garnered a placement on The 20 Best LGBTQ Books of 2019 list by Harper’s Bazaar. Most recently, they created, and starred in the Audible Original series Apocalypse Untreated. They are also the co-host of the Just Between Us podcast on the Forever Dog network.    

Links:

• www.gabydunn.com
• Bad with Money podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-with-money-with-gaby-dunn/id1144712710 
• Instagram: @GabyRoad 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/398914378105641 

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This can be an uncomfortable situation and sometimes you don't want to mix business and friendships. And it goes both ways. Are you an advisor constantly being pestered for free advice on your time off? Here's how to handle it. 

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Being social media-rich but bank account poor – the financial danger of “keeping up with the Joneses”
• The four-step process for digging yourself out of debt
• Looking at spending as an addiction
• Paying yourself first instead of saving whatever is left
• Creating habits and good behaviors rather than a strict budget
• The power of automation when paying down debt and building your savings
• Understanding how debt can be used as leverage
• Determining what’s important to you when deciding how aggressive to be in your debt payment strategy
• The pros and cons of leaning on others for accountability

For a full transcript of this episode, visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts.

Find Marcus's free download here: TheMarcusGarrett.com/salary

Order Marcus's book here: https://amzn.to/3qeGeE9

Order Eric's book here: amzn.to/3G2JDvq

About Marcus Garrett:

After surviving the mean streets of the inner suburbs in the Great State of Texas, Mr. Garrett obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and work experience as a Certified Internal Auditor, Financial and Data Analyst. As a Senior Millennial, his inflated self-esteem was amplified with participation trophies given to him without merit during his most impressionable years. Somehow he overcame these personal roadblocks to become an award-winning freelance writer on topics ranging from love and relationships to debt and personal finances.

https://www.themarcusgarrett.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheMarcusGarrett

https://twitter.com/TheMarcusGarret 

https://www.instagram.com/themarcusgarrett/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/themarcusgarrett

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This is a great question and a perfect time to ask it. Spoiler alert: the holiday season is on the list!

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!

Find a full transcript of this episode on our website.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How the stories we grow up with around money shape our attitude about it in adulthood
• The journey of finding self-awareness and self-love
• Tying your identity too closely to your career, and dealing with a feeling of loss at retirement
• Scarcity and abundance mentalities and how you can change that mindset
• The shame, guilt, and emotional baggage around money and how to overcome it through self-awareness
• The power that art and creativity can have on your personal journey
• How to use glad giving to help others and connect to the spirit of abundance
• Turning off the news and taking a media break
• Noticing the little things around you that connect you to the world
• Keeping a gratitude journal

About Peleg Top:

Peleg Top is an accomplished artist, a creative business mentor and a trained spiritual coach. He mentors accomplished creatives who are at a crossroad and helps them connect to their creative free spirit so that they get clear on who they want to create next in their lives.

A few fun facts about Peleg:

• Born and raised in Israel. The oldest of 3 boys.
• Immigrated to the US at 15 with his family
• Became financially free at 43 (I’m excited to tell you more about my take on this)
• Lives Santa Fe, New Mexico
• At the age of 47 he sold everything he owned and traveled for two years to 14 countries while living as a minimalist out of a suitcase
• Creator of the 100 Days of Creative High Growth coaching program

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Of course, this is different for everyone, but listen to Eric explain how to determine a balance that may work for you, and adds a fourth category into the conversation: debt.

Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The seven villains that put your retirement at risk
• Longevity and the fear of outliving your money
• Inflation and how it can derail retirement for those on fixed income
• The taxes we pay in retirement and the importance of planning for them
• Understanding what health care costs will be paid out of pocket in retirement, what will be covered by Medicare, and what protections you can put in place to help cover costs
• The importance of understanding the fees and costs associated with different savings and investment accounts 
• Dollar cost averaging and why accounts should be strategically set up so that you aren’t pulling from principle
• Looking into alternative or nontraditional asset classes to diversify your portfolio away from only stocks and bonds

About Patrick Strubbe:

For over 20 years, Pat has taught retirees and pre-retirees how to preserve their assets and increase their income. 

Pat is a recurring guest on the WIS-TV (NBC) news. He has been featured in USA Today, Investor’s Business Daily and other national publications for his knowledge in the field of financial planning. Pat is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®). 

You can listen to Pat host the radio show “Save Your Retirement®” on WVOC-AM. He is also the author of the book “Save Your Retirement from Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains!” and “Retirement with Confidence.” 

Pat lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Janelle. He is the proud father of four children: Carter, Ava, Gabriella and Isla. Pat enjoys watching NBA basketball games with his friends and family. He loves to see his favorite team, the L.A. Lakers, whenever he can. An active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Irmo, Pat has served as an elder of finances since 2003.

Links:
Patrick's books: 

• The Retirement Secret: A Simple Approach to Financial Peace-of-Mind
• Save Your Retirement! 3rd Edition: Save Your Retirement From Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains!

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• Getting asymmetrical returns by taking asymmetrical risks
• What alternative investment classes are
• Investing in things like art, NFTs, masterworks, and crypto to diversify your portfolio 
• How access to alternative investment options are growing
• Private equity becoming the next frontier of investing
• The J curve 
• Risk versus volatility 
• Why bonds and cash are not the answer 
• What it’s going to take to reach financial independence and retirement with inflation devaluing the dollar 
• How COVID will change commercial real estate when it comes to office space
• How to start investing in alternative asset classes

About Brian Adams:

Brian C. Adams is the President and Founder of Excelsior Capital, where he spearheads the investor relations and capital markets arms of the firm. He has 10 years of experience in real estate private equity and has advanced knowledge in best practices for strategic real estate investing. Prior to forming Excelsior Capital, Brian co-founded Priam Properties (an institutional real estate private equity sponsor) in 2010 and provided leadership and direction for the firm in connection with capital markets, investment management and investor relations.

He has served on the Board of Sirrom Partners, LP, a single-family office investing across private and public asset classes since May of 2008. Since May of 2017 he has served on the Investment Committee for Solidus LP, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investment opportunities in Healthcare and Technology.

From January of 2016 to January of 2018, Brian served as a member of the Board of Next Gen Advisory Faculty for the Institute of Private Investors / Campden, a program designed to support next generation family members in preparing the following generation for the responsibility of being a steward of family wealth. He has also served on the Advisory Committee for the Southeastern Family Office Forum since December of 2016. Brian is a former practicing attorney, earning his J.D. from Suffolk University and his B.A. from Wesleyan University with Honors.

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How growing up in a household that talks about money can inspire a life of entrepreneurship
• The importance of mindset in wealth-building 
• The difference between people who call themselves coaches and those who are accredited financial coaches
• Telling the difference between a fiduciary advisor/coach and one that’s out for their own benefit
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how it can be applied to your financial journey 
• Discovering your core values and using them to shape your life
• Creating residual income
• The differences between financial advisors, financial coaches, and financial therapists and the value they each bring

Links mentioned:

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wealth-Practical-Transform-Relationship/dp/0578840308/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=simple+wealth&qid=1637083798&sr=8-6

About Holly Morphew:

Holly Morphew is a visionary, financial coach, and multi-generational entrepreneur. She’s the founder + CEO of Financial Impact, which helps professionals and entrepreneurs create personal wealth and financial independence.

A pioneer in the personal finance industry, Holly’s work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, FemFounder, and more. Her own journey to eliminating $67k in debt in her twenties, reaching financial independence in her thirties, and overcoming chronic illness are what inspire her to help others realize their dreams too.

Holly’s professional background in finance, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship are the foundation of her transformational programs, which also include well-being and mindfulness practices to align behavior and mindset.

In 2008 Holly received the prestigious “Rotarian of the Year” award for her work in financial literacy, and in 2017 she was recognized by the Association for Financial Planning and Counseling Education ® with the "Bridging the Gap" award for outstanding work as an Accredited Financial Counselor® in private practice.

Her book Simple Wealth is a #1 best seller in nine out of ten categories including money management, women & business, personal finance, real estate, retirement, budgeting, personal transformation, credit repair, and wealth management.

Holly has a B.A. from the University of Colorado in International Affairs and Japanese with a Minor in Business. Today, Holly speaks, coaches, and writes about money, personal transformation, and creating a life of design.

She now resides in Boulder, CO. Her favorite things to do are travel, hike fourteeners, and watch the sun rise. 

Connect with Holly:

• https://www.financialimpact.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/HollyMorph
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymorph/
• https://twitter.com/HollyMorph

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The importance of mindset in saving money
• How a single mother living paycheck to paycheck built a career out of her own need to save money
• The differences in mindsets between different generations
• The danger of student loans and how to save money on your education
• Finding a balance between saving money and living and having fun today
• Taking the time to find deals and discounts instead of shopping on impulse
• Separating your expenses into those that can’t change and those that can to find places you can save
• The key to wealth is not the right investments, luck, or salary. It’s time and behavior
• How a cashless society means not having a relationship with our money
• Apps are gamifying finances in a way that is dangerous to your financial future

About Jeanette Pavini:

Jeanette Pavini is an Emmy Award winning consumer and investigative reporter completely over 10,000 money-saving segments for CBS News, Hallmark’s Home & Family and MarketWatch among others. Her book: The Joy of Saving: Money Lessons I Learned From My Italian American Father & 20 Years As a Consumer Reporter, offers people unique money-saving strategies. Jeanette has been a guest contributor on The Today Show, and her advice has been featured with hundreds of media outlets including Good Morning America and Oprah.com.

Links:

www.JeanettePavini.com
Twitter: @jeanettepavini
Instagram: jeanette.pavini
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Saving-Italian-American-Consumer-Reporter/dp/1098341775

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• The various ways business owners pivoted (or didn’t) throughout the pandemic
• Scarcity and abundance mentalities in business and in life
• Looking for meaningful ways to apply your talents and passions during retirement 
• The concept of collective trauma and how we can protect our minds from the negativity
• Why you should stop watching the news 
• The lack of leadership in the country, whether in politics or in business
• Contributing to the world no matter what season of your life you’re in
• Entrepreneurs changing the landscape through collective learning and masterminds
• Turning off the news to protect yourself from negativity

Sharon Spano

As a Family Business Consultant, Sharon Spano helps thriving family business leaders develop family alignment so they can deepen their relationships, achieve sustainable business growth, maximize their impact, and secure a multi-generational legacy.

Dr. Spano’s expertise in human and organizational systems and her research-based methodologies are designed to help these business leaders generate collaborative strategies for success and sustainability in our ever-changing landscape.

“While there are many ways that we go about the process of transition and change, the ultimate goal is to empower my clients to view their life and business through a systemic lens. Once they learn to embody this level of knowledge, I find that everything else accelerates, and it does so in a way that allows for greater integration of the family-business many complex systems. The result is a unified family that is now fully positioned to contribute to one another and the world in more meaningful ways.

Sharon is the author of The Pursuit of Time and Money: Step into Radical Abundance and Discover the Secret to a Meaningful and Prosperous Life (2017) and the host of the weekly podcast, The Other Side of Potential, which focuses on how family business leaders integrate their unique family dynamics with the complexity of running a successful business.

Links:

Sharon's book: https://amzn.to/3vpARmO

Sharon's podcast: https://www.sharonspano.com/podcast/

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In this episode we’ll talk about:
• How Chloe’s transparency with her mental health struggles grew into a virtual community
• How therapy and writing helped her overcome her battles with eating disorders and PTSD
• Why people don’t talk about their struggles with money and want to seem like they’re the Joneses you should be keeping up with
• How Chloe paid off $70,000 in debt and amassed $200,000 in savings in a short period of time
• How to set a budget that aligns with your values
• Failing at a budget and continuing to work at it instead of quitting
• Figuring out why you’re spending money where you’re spending it so you can connect with your spending
• Finding the right method to keep yourself accountable and connected to your budget
• Stepping away from the “shoulds” and focusing on the “why”
• Looking at the anxieties and fears around money and getting to the root of it
• The difference between good and bad financial advisors, and why you should always ask potential advisors if they’re fiduciaries
• How a financial coach and a financial advisor can help you simultaneously

Chloe, aka Clo Bare Money Coach, saved more than $200k for retirement in a little over 2 years, and now she’s teaching others how to do the same. In the last year, she’s coached over 300 people on how to money. She started as a mental health blogger in 2017, and brings her mental health expertise into her financial coaching, focusing on providing people with a human-centric approach to managing their money.

Links: 

https://brotmanmedia.com/season-4-episode-3-happiness-abundance-and-freedom-changing-your-mindset-to-improve-your-life/

www.clobare.com

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In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How our mindset can derail our goals, financially and physically
• Taking an inventory so you know where you are, what you have, and how to get where you want to go
• Understanding your priorities and how the thoughts you say to yourself shape them
• Discovering your priorities and having open discussions about them with your partner
• How to facilitate a conversation about your priorities with your spouse
• Looking deeper into why you want the things you want
• The baggage around finances that adults bring into their marriage
• Why talking about money is taboo
• Our tendency to tie our self-worth to our income and why it’s a negative mindset
• Unlinking income from wealth and the behaviors surrounding money
• The truth behind money buying happiness
• Answering the question of am I going to be okay

Episode discussed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-vibe-money-tribe/id1486223029?i=1000532222856

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If you haven't already, enroll in the Don't Retire... Graduate!: Freshman Year online course, or our free financial literacy course, at bfguniversity.com. Plus, write reviews and share our show with your friends to help spread a legacy of financial literacy. 

Find the online courses at www.bfguniversity.com. 

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Our first guest is no exception. Ksenia Yudina is joining us today. She is a prolific entrepreneur, an MBA, a CFA, and a remarkable human who took on the world of venture capital as a woman and developed an investing platform like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• How UNest and BFG Financial Advisors are both working to make financial planning accessible to families across the country--not only the rich
• Ksenia’s story of immigrating from Russia at 18 and taking on $180,000 in student debt while pursuing multiple degrees at UCLA Anderson
• How 12 years in the venture capital space inspired her to develop her own platform to help parents invest for their children’s future
• How UNest works and how it is different from other options, including 529 College Savings Plans
• The dangers of taking on massive student debt and how inflation and tuition increases make it almost impossible to avoid and difficult to pay off
• Why surrounding yourself with mentors and advisors can be beneficial, both in your career and personal life
• Why it is important to start planning for your future--or your kids’ futures--early

Meet Ksenia Yudina

Ksenia Yudina is a Founder and CEO of UNest, the first mobile app that makes it easier than ever before to create a manage tax-free college savings accounts. Ksenia is an entrepreneur and financial expert with over ten years of experience in the financial industry. As Founder and CEO of UNest she has spearheaded the development of the breakthrough fintech solution and raised funding from leading venture capital funds including Northwestern Mutual, Anthos Capital, The Artemis Fund, Group 11, Draper Dragon, Unlock Ventures, and Vested Ventures. Ksenia was a 2019 Finalist in Quesnays Female Founders in Fintech competition. She has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, American Banker, Inc. Magazine, USA Today, and US News & World Report. Ksenia was recognized as 40 Under 40 by Investment News and received a Rising Star Award from the Los Angeles Business Journal.

www.unest.co
https://www.facebook.com/unest/
https://twitter.com/UNest
https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-nest/
https://www.instagram.com/unest/

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Find the online courses at www.bfguniversity.com. 

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What is covered during the episode:

• Going from a millionaire to bankrupt overnight and fighting your way back.
• The value of time and setting goals in building wealth.
• Talking to your kids about money and teaching them lessons early.
• The wins and losses experienced as an entrepreneur.
• Telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

Cody’s Podcast: https://themoneytalkers.com/optin33124205
Eric's book: https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe

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Bullet points of what is covered during the episode
• Discovering the FI/RE movement at any age
• Having a Dream Fund, saving until it hurts, and using budgets as savings tools, not spending tools
• How online courses, like Dream Big Money Academy and BFG University, can encourage financial literacy education
• Why women are discouraged from seeking financial advice or financial careers
• Getting out of your comfort zone, increasing your confidence, and growing your courage.

LINKS:
Dream Big Money Academy https://dreambigmoneyacademy.com/
BFG University: https://www.bfguniversity.com/
Gutsy Women Club: https://www.gutsywomen.club/

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What is covered during the episode:

• Figuring out if the ex-pat life is right for you.
• How to live abroad with young children.
• Navigating real estate and finance in different countries.
• Trying out locations and where you can live on tourist visas.

Tim’s Book: https://www.cheaplivingabroad.com/
Tim’s Blog: https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/

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What is covered during the episode:

• The W.I.N. Method.
• Why your business should support your life, not consume it.
• Limiting the time you spend working while increasing your productivity.
• The 3 Ds of running a business.

www.winthehourwintheday.com

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What is covered during the episode:

• How the S.H.O.C.K. method can help you reach the next level in your life, career, and retirement.
• Imposter syndrome: getting past the feeling of self-doubt and accepting your worth.
• Accountability partners and how to talk about your successes and mistakes.

https://shockyourpotential.com/

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Bullet points of what is covered during the episode

• Talking about finances with your partner
• Best practices for purchasing an engagement ring
• Prenuptial/Postnuptial agreements
• Financial roles in a marriage

Link to the webinar mentioned in the episode:

https://brotmanmedia.com/then-comes-marriage-how-to-merge-your-financial-lives/

Link to Eric Brotman's latest book:

https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe

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Bullet points of what is covered during the episode:

• Resiliency and grit for success in the business
• Diversity within the financial industry
• Finding passion in financial literacy
• Discussing finance at an impressionable age

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Bullet points of what is covered during the episode:

• The stresses of estate administration while grieving a loss, and the ways you can ease the burden
• Necessity of human factor throughout the estate process
• The importance of having someone specialized in estate planning rather than a regular lawyer

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Bullet points of what is covered during the episode

• A 94-year-old woman's journey through a life of adventures.
• Just say yes: getting out of the rut of your own routine in order to have new experiences.
• The power of spontaneity.

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What is covered during the episode:

• The student loan crisis, alternative opportunities, and the future of virtual education  
• Behavioral modifications you can make to help manage your money 

• Reducing debt by establishing financial goals and building a course of action 
• Setting specific goals with deadlines in order to reach them 

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What is covered during the episode:

• Budgeting in a non-restrictive way. 
• Paying yourself first: Save, Invest, Spend 
• Useful software for tracking your spending 
• Using credit cards as a tool 
• Merging finances and having open conversations in relationships  
• www.iamjimmiller.com

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What is covered during the episode:

• Financial planning is not just for the rich and is not taught in school.
• New programs about to launch for high school kids, millennials, and all generations.
• Tools you can use to achieve financial stability.

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What is covered during the episode:

• The power of compounding and how it can help you reach financial freedom 
• The psychology of transitioning from living off your income to living off your portfolio
• How we segregate our assets in retirement so we don’t outlive our money

For show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/

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What is covered during the episode:

• Building your travel bucket list—using your passions and goals to map out your life of travel
• Balancing fulfilling your travel goals and fulfilling your financial goals
• How a travel portfolio can turn your dreams into plans
• Planning for multigenerational celebration travel

For show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/

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Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!

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